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Cowboys Released Veteran Running Back Before 53-Man Roster Deadline, per Source

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The Dallas Cowboys have begun the difficult process of trimming their roster down to 53 players before the league’s deadline. With decisions looming at multiple positions, one of the more notable moves came in the backfield.

After adding fresh talent through camp and evaluating depth across the offense, the Cowboys made the call to part ways with a running back who had been fighting for a role heading into the 2025 season. The decision reflects both the team’s confidence in its current rotation and the harsh reality of roster management in the NFL.

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Coaches praised the player’s effort and energy throughout training camp, noting his competitiveness in practice and value in the locker room. Still, the numbers game ultimately worked against him as Dallas sought to prioritize other needs on the roster.

Fans had rallied behind his story, given his underdog background and versatility as both a runner and a receiver. But in the end, the crowded running back room proved too much to overcome, leaving Dallas with no choice but to make a tough cut.

That player is Deuce Vaughn, the 23-year-old back who rushed for 70 yards on 17 carries (4.1 YPC) and added three receptions for 18 yards in seven appearances last season. Despite flashes of quickness and determination, Vaughn was placed on waivers Tuesday and will be available for other teams to claim.

If he goes unclaimed, Vaughn remains a strong candidate to return to the Cowboys’ practice squad, where his familiarity with the system and ability to contribute in multiple ways could still keep him in the mix for future opportunities.

For now, the move underscores just how competitive roster battles can be — even for players who have shown promise and heart.

Steelers Bring Back Familiar Face as WR Options Thin Amid Injuries
The Pittsburgh Steelers are taking another look at a familiar face as they continue to search for depth at wide receiver following a string of injuries. The team reportedly hosted several free agents for workouts ahead of Week 6, including linebackers Otis Reese and Ben Stille, offensive tackle Bayron Matos, and one notable wideout. That receiver is Brandon Johnson, a player the Steelers had previously signed during the preseason before releasing him after he suffered an ankle injury in the final exhibition game. Johnson was initially projected to make the team’s practice squad and looked strong in training camp before the injury derailed his progress. Now fully recovered, Brandon Johnson is trying to earn another shot with the organization that gave him his first NFL opportunity. The 25-year-old recently worked out with the New York Giants before heading to Pittsburgh, showing he’s healthy and ready to compete again. Johnson spent most of last season on the Steelers’ practice squad, appearing in three regular-season games and catching one pass for nine yards. His prior experience with wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni in Denver, as well as his time on Pittsburgh’s staff, makes him a strong candidate to rejoin the group as a reliable depth option. The Steelers’ interest in Johnson comes as Calvin Austin III continues to recover from a shoulder injury that has sidelined him indefinitely. With the team looking for capable reinforcements, Johnson could be signed to the practice squad rather than the active roster, giving Pittsburgh flexibility to rotate receivers as needed. Currently, the Steelers’ active wideout group features DK Metcalf, Scotty Miller, Ben Skowronek, and Roman Wilson. With Austin’s timetable for return still uncertain, it seems likely that at least one new face will be elevated each week — and Johnson could be next in line to step up.